U.S. patent number 6,647,597 [Application Number 09/765,796] was granted by the patent office on 2003-11-18 for adjustable magnetic snap fastener.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Lodestone Fasteners, LLC. Invention is credited to Howard J. Reiter.
United States Patent |
6,647,597 |
Reiter |
November 18, 2003 |
Adjustable magnetic snap fastener
Abstract
An adjustable magnetic snap fastener for releasably connecting
two pieces of material at any one of a number of possible
positions. There are a number of stems attached to one plate and a
number of magnets attached to another plate. Any one of the stems
fits into a hole in any one of the magnets to connect the two
sections of the fastener and hence the two pieces of material.
Alternatively, there are a number of magnets attached to one plate
and a number of magnets attached to another plate, oriented so that
every one of the magnets on the first plate is attracted to every
one of the magnets on the second plate.
Inventors: |
Reiter; Howard J. (Woodbridge,
CT) |
Assignee: |
Lodestone Fasteners, LLC
(Woodbridge, CT)
|
Family
ID: |
25074508 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/765,796 |
Filed: |
January 19, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
24/303 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41F
1/002 (20130101); H01F 7/0263 (20130101); Y10T
24/32 (20150115) |
Current International
Class: |
A41F
1/00 (20060101); H01F 7/02 (20060101); A44B
001/00 (); A44B 017/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;24/66.1,303,114.2,658,683,684,686,689,691 ;248/206.5 ;292/251.5
;335/285 ;411/501-503 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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|
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|
|
405335138 |
|
Dec 1993 |
|
JP |
|
407335429 |
|
Dec 1995 |
|
JP |
|
408013889 |
|
Jan 1996 |
|
JP |
|
0033328 |
|
Jun 2000 |
|
WO |
|
Primary Examiner: Sandy; Robert J.
Assistant Examiner: Rodriguez; Ruth C.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Cooper & Dunham LLP
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An adjustable magnetic snap fastener for releasably connecting a
first surface and a second surface, comprising: (a) a plurality of
female sections, each female section having a first base washer
defining a first hole substantially in the center of the first base
washer; a magnetic ring defining a second hole substantially in the
center of the magnetic ring; a non-magnetic cover plate defining a
third hole substantially in the center of the cover plate and
having a peripheral flange, the cover plate being mounted to the
first base washer by the peripheral flange whereby the magnetic
ring is held between the first base washer and the cover plate and
whereby the first, second, and third holes are substantially
axially aligned; and a first stem extending through the first and
second holes; (b) a plurality of male sections, each male section
having a second base washer defining a fourth hole substantially in
the center of the second base washer; and a second stem extending
through the fourth hole; (c) a first base plate having a firs: side
and a second side; (d) a second base plate having a first side and
a second side; (e) wherein the peripheral flange of each female
section engages the first side of the first base plate and each
first attachment means is connected to the second side of the first
base plate; (f) wherein the second base washer of each male section
engages the first side of the second base plate and each second
attachment means is connected to the second side of the second base
plate; (g) wherein at least one of the plurality of female sections
has a first attachment means connected to the first base washer of
said female section by the first stem of said female section and
adapted for attachment to the first surface, and at least one of
the plurality of male sections has a second attachment means
connected to the second base washer of said male section by the
second stem of said male section and adapted for attachment to the
second surface; (h) wherein at least one of the plurality of female
sections is attached to the first surface and all of the female
sections are arranged in substantially a straight line, and at
least one of the plurality of male sections is attached to the
second surface and all of the male sections are arranged in
substantially a straight line; and (i) whereby insertion of the
second stem of one of the plurality of male sections into at least
the second and third holes of one of the plurality of female
sections creates a magnetic force which releasably connects said
one female section and said one male section and hence the first
and second surfaces attached to the first and second attachment
means, respectively.
2. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 1, wherein the
first base plate defines a plurality of first plate holes whereby
the first stem of each female section extends through a
corresponding one of the plurality of first plate holes and the
first, second, and third holes of each female section are
substantially axially aligned with the corresponding first plate
hole, and the second base plate defines a plurality of second plate
holes whereby the second stem of each male section extends through
a corresponding one of the plurality of second plate holes and the
fourth hole of each male section is substantially axially aligned
with the corresponding second plate hole.
3. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 1, wherein the
first stem of at least one of the plurality of female sections has
a first stem hole substantially in the center thereof and the
second stem of at least one of the plurality of male sections has a
second stem hole substantially in the center thereof.
4. An adjustable magnetic snap fastener for releasably connecting a
first surface and a second surface, comprising: (a) a plurality of
female sections, each female section comprising a magnetic ring
defining a first hole substantially in the center of the magnetic
ring and a first stem extending through the first hole; (b) a first
base plate having a first side and a second side and defining a
plurality of first base plate holes, wherein the magnetic ring of
each female section engages the first side of the first base plate
and the first stem of each female section extends through one of
the plurality of first base plate holes; (c) a non-magnetic cover
plate defining a plurality of cover plate holes and having a
peripheral flange, the cover plate being mounted to the first base
plate by the peripheral flange whereby each of the magnetic rings
is held between the first base plate and the cover plate and
whereby the first hole and the first stem of each female section
are substantially axially aligned with a corresponding first base
plate hole and a corresponding cover plate hole; (d) a plurality of
male sections, each male section comprising a second stem; (e) a
second base plate having a first side and a second side and
defining a plurality of second base plate holes, wherein the second
stem of each male section extends through one of the plurality of
second base plate holes; (f) wherein at least one of the plurality
of female sections has a first attachment means connected to the
first base plate by the first stem of said female section and
adapted for attachment to the first surface, and at least one of
the plurality of male sections has a second attachment means
connected to the second base plate by the second stem of said male
section and adapted for attachment to the second surface; (g)
wherein the first base plate is attached to the first surface by at
least one first attachment means, and the second base plate is
attached to the second surface by at least one of the second
attachment means; and (h) whereby insertion of the second stem of
one of the plurality of male sections into at least the first hole
of one of the plurality of female sections creates a magnetic force
which releasably connects said one female section and said one male
section and hence the first and second surfaces attached to the
first and second attachment means, respectively.
5. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 4, wherein each
first attachment means comprises a first pair of legs, and each
second attachment means comprises a second pair of legs.
6. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 5, wherein each
first pair of legs is mounted to the first base plate by the first
stem of one of said female sections, and each second pair of legs
is mounted to the second base plate by the second stem of one of
said male sections.
7. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 4, wherein each
first attachment means comprises a first attachment washer
connectible to the first stem of one of said female sections,
whereby the first surface is held between the first attachment
washer and the first base plate, and each second attachment means
comprises a second attachment washer connectible to the second stem
of one of said male sections, whereby the second surface is held
between the second attachment washer and the second base plate.
8. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 4, wherein each
first attachment means comprises a first rivet cap connectible to a
collapsible section of the first stem of one of said female
sections, whereby the first surface is held between the first rivet
cap and the first base plate, and each second attachment means
comprises a second rivet cap connectible to a collapsible section
of the second stem of one of said male sections, whereby the second
surface is held between the second rivet cap and the second base
plate.
9. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 4, wherein the
first stem of at least one of the plurality of female sections has
a first stem hole substantially in the center thereof and the
second stem of at least one of the plurality of male sections has a
second stem hole substantially in the center thereof.
10. An adjustable magnetic snap fastener for releasably connecting
a first surface and a second surface, comprising: (a) a plurality
of female sections, each female section having a first base washer
defining a first hole substantially in the center of the first base
washer; a magnetic ring defining a second hole substantially in the
center of the magnetic ring; a non-magnetic cover plate defining a
third hole substantially in the center of the cover plate and
having a peripheral flange, the cover plate being mounted to the
first base washer by the peripheral flange whereby the magnetic
ring is held between the first base washer and the cover plate and
whereby the first, second, and third holes are substantially
axially aligned; and a first stem extending through the first and
second holes; (b) a male section having a second base washer
defining a fourth hole substantially in the center of the second
base washer; and a second stem extending through the fourth hole;
(c) a first base plate having a first side and a second side; (d)
wherein the peripheral flange of each female section is positioned
adjacent to the first side of the first base plate and each first
attachment means is connected to the second side of the first base
plate; (e) wherein at least one of the plurality of female sections
has a first attachment means connected to the first base washer of
said female section by the first stem of said female section and
adapted for attachment to the first surface, and the male section
has a second attachment means connected to the second base washer
by the second stem and adapted for attachment to the second
surface; (f) wherein at least one of the plurality of female
sections is attached to the first surface, and the male section is
attached to the second surface; and (g) whereby insertion of the
second stem of the male section into at least the second and third
holes of one of the plurality of female sections creates a magnetic
force which releasably connects said one female section and said
male section and hence the first and second surfaces attached to
the first and second attachment means, respectively.
11. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 10, wherein the
first base plate defines a plurality of first plate holes whereby
the first stem of each female section extends through a
corresponding one of the plurality of first plate holes and the
first, second, and third holes of each female section are
substantially axially aligned with the corresponding first plate
hole.
12. An adjustable magnetic snap fastener for releasably connecting
a first surface and a second surface, comprising: (a) a plurality
of female sections, each female section having a magnetic ring
defining a first hole substantially in the center of the magnetic
ring and a first stem extending through the first hole; (b) a base
plate having a first side and a second side and defining a
plurality of base plate holes, wherein the magnetic ring of each
female section engages the first side of the base plate and the
first stem of each female section extends through one of the
plurality of base plate holes; (c) a non-magnetic cover plate
defining a plurality of cover plate holes and having a peripheral
flange, the cover plate being mounted to the base plate by the
peripheral flange whereby each of the magnetic rings is held
between the base plate and the cover plate and whereby the first
hole and the first stem of each female section are substantially
axially aligned with a corresponding base plate hole and a
corresponding cover plate hole; (d) a male section comprising a
base washer defining a second hole substantially in the center of
the base washer and a second stem extending through the second
hole; (e) wherein at least one of the plurality of female sections
has a first attachment means connected to the base plate by the
first stem of said female section and adapted for attachment to the
first surface, and the male section has a second attachment means
connected to the base washer by the second stem and adapted for
attachment to the second surface; (f) wherein the base plate is
attached to the first surface by at least one first attachment
means, and the base washer is attached to the second surface by the
second attachment means; and (g) whereby insertion of the second
stem of the male section into at least the first hole of one of the
plurality of female sections creates a magnetic force which
releasably connects said one female section and said male section
and hence the first and second surfaces attached to the first and
second attachment means, respectively.
13. A female portion of an adjustable magnetic snap fastener for
releasably connecting a first surface to which the female portion
of the adjustable magnetic snap fastener is attached and a second
surface to which a male section of the adjustable magnetic snap
fastener is attached, comprising a plurality of female sections,
each female section comprising: a base washer defining a first hole
substantially in the center of the base washer; a magnetic ring
defining a second hole substantially in the center of the magnetic
ring; a non-magnetic cover plate defining a third hole
substantially in the center of the cover plate and having a
peripheral flange, the cover plate being mounted to the base washer
by the peripheral flange whereby the magnetic ring is held between
the base washer and the cover plate and whereby the first, second,
and third holes are substantially axially aligned; and a stem
extending through the first and second holes; wherein at least one
of the plurality of female sections has an attachment means affixed
to the base washer of that female section by the stem of that
female section and adapted for attachment to the first surface; a
base plate having a first side and a second side; wherein the
peripheral flange of each female section is positioned adjacent to
the first side of the base plate and each attachment means is
connected to the second side of the base plate; wherein at least
one of the plurality of female sections is attached to the first
surface and all of the female sections are arranged in
substantially a straight line; and whereby insertion of the male
section of the adjustable magnetic snap fastener into at least the
second and third holes of one of the plurality of female sections
creates a magnetic force which releasably connects said one female
section and said male section and hence the first surface attached
to the attachment means of the female portion of the adjustable
magnetic snap fastener and the second surface attached to the male
section of the magnetic snap fastener.
14. The female portion of the adjustable magnetic snap fastener of
claim 13, wherein the base plate defines a plurality of plate holes
whereby the stem of each female section extends through a
corresponding one of the plurality of plate holes and the first,
second, and third holes of each female section are substantially
axially aligned with the corresponding plate hole.
15. The female portion of the adjustable magnetic snap fastener of
claim 13, wherein the stem of at least one of the plurality of
female sections has a stem hole substantially in the center
thereof.
16. A female portion of an adjustable magnetic snap fastener for
releasably connecting a first surface to which the female portion
of the adjustable magnetic snap fastener is attached and a second
surface to which a male section of the adjustable magnetic snap
fastener is attached, comprising: (a) a plurality of female
sections, each female section comprising a magnetic ring defining a
first hole substantially in the center of the magnetic ring and a
stem extending through the first hole; (b) a base plate having a
first side and a second side and defining a plurality of base plate
holes, wherein the magnetic ring of each female section engages the
first side of the base plate and the stem of each female section
extends through one of the plurality of base plate holes; (c) a
non-magnetic cover plate defining a plurality of cover plate holes
and having a peripheral flange, the cover plate being mounted to
the base plate by the peripheral flange whereby each of the
magnetic rings is held between the base plate and the cover plate
and whereby the first hole and the stem of each female section are
substantially axially aligned with a corresponding base plate hole
and a corresponding cover plate hole; (d) wherein at least one of
the plurality of female sections has an attachment means connected
to the base plate by the stem of said female section and adapted
for attachment to the first surface; (e) wherein the first base
plate is attached to the first surface by at least one of the
attachment means; and (f) whereby insertion of the male section of
the adjustable magnetic snap fastener into at least the first hole
of one of the plurality of female sections creates a magnetic force
which releasably connects said one female section and said male
section and hence the first surface attached to the attachment
means of the female portion of the adjustable magnetic snap
fastener and the second surface attached to the male section of the
magnetic snap fastener.
17. The female portion of the adjustable magnetic snap fastener of
claim 16, wherein each attachment means comprises a pair of
legs.
18. The female portion of the adjustable magnetic snap fastener of
claim 17, wherein each pair of legs is mounted to the base plate by
the stem of one of said female sections.
19. The female portion of the adjustable magnetic snap fastener of
claim 16, wherein each attachment means comprises an attachment
washer connectible to the stem of one of said female sections,
whereby the first surface is held between the attachment washer and
the base plate.
20. The female portion of the adjustable magnetic snap fastener of
claim 16, wherein each attachment means comprises a rivet cap
connectible to a collapsible section of the stem of one of said
female sections, whereby the first surface is held between the
rivet cap and the base plate.
21. The female portion of the adjustable magnetic snap fastener of
claim 16, wherein the stem of at least one of the plurality of
female sections has a stem hole substantially in the center
thereof.
22. An adjustable magnetic snap fastener for releasably connecting
a first surface and a second surface, comprising: (a) a plurality
of male sections, each male section having a stem; (b) a female
section having a base washer defining a hole substantially in the
center of the base washer; a magnetic ring defining a hole
substantially in the center of the magnetic ring; and attachment
means connected to the base washer; a non-magnetic cover plate
defining a hole substantially in the center of the cover plate
having flange means at its periphery, the cover plate being mounted
to the base washer by the flange means whereby the holes in the
base washer, the magnetic ring and the cover plate are
substantially axially aligned; a second stem extending through the
axially aligned holes; (c) a base plate for the male sections
having a first side and a second side and attachment means
connected to the second side of the base plate; (d) wherein the
attachment means connected to the base plate of said male sections
is adapted for attachment to the first surface, and the attachment
means connected to the base washer of said female section is
adapted for attachment to the second surface; (e) wherein the
plurality of male sections is attached to the first surface and all
of the male sections are arranged in substantially a straight line,
and the female section is attached to the second surface; and (f)
whereby insertion of the stem of one of the plurality of male
sections into one of the axially aligned holes of the female
section creates a magnetic force which releasably connects said one
male section and said female section and hence the first and second
surfaces attached to the first and second attachment means
respectively.
23. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 22, wherein the
base plate defines a plurality of first plate holes whereby the
stem of each male section extends through a corresponding one of
the plurality of plate holes.
24. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 22, wherein the
stem of at least one of the plurality of male sections has a first
stem hole substantially in the center thereof and the stem of the
female section has a second stem hole substantially in the center
thereof.
25. An adjustable magnetic snap fastener for releasably connecting
a first surface and a second surface, comprising: (a) a female
section having a base washer defining a first hole substantially in
the center of the base washer; a magnetic ring defining a second
hole substantially in the center of the magnetic ring; a
non-magnetic cover plate defining a third hole substantially in the
center of the cover plate and having a flange means at its
periphery, the cover plate being mounted to the base washer by the
flange means whereby the magnetic ring is held between the base
washer and the cover plate and whereby the first, second, and third
holes are substantially axially aligned; and a first stem extending
through the first, second and third holes; (b) a plurality of male
sections, the male sections having a non-magnetic base plate
defining holes substantially therethrough; and a plurality of stems
extending through the holes in the base plate; (c) first attachment
means connected to one side of the base plate and adapted for
attachement to the first surface; (d) second attachment means
connected to the base washer of the female section by the first
stem and adapted for attachment to the second surface; (e) wherein
at least one of the plurality of male sections is attached to the
first surface, and the female section is attached to the second
surface; and (f) whereby insertion of one stem of the male section
into at least the third hole of the female section creates a
magnetic force which releasably connects said male section and said
female section and hence the first and second surfaces attached to
the first and second attachment means, respectively.
26. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 25, wherein the
base plate defines a plurality of plate holes and whereby the stem
of each male section extends through a corresponding one of the
plurality of place holes.
Description
BACKGROUND
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to adjustable magnetic snap
fasteners.
2. Description of Prior Art
Magnetic snap fasteners have been used as closures for many years.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,722,126 and 5,933,926, issued to Reiter, entitled
"Magnetic Snap Fasteners", relate to magnetic snap fasteners of
different configurations. These fasteners comprise a male and a
female section which are magnetically coupled at a single
position.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,453,294, issued to Morita, entitled "Engageable
Article Using Permanent Magnet", as reexamined and confirmed under
Reexamination Certificate B1 4,453,294, and U.S. Pat. No.
4,021,891, also issued to Morita, entitled "Magnetic Lock Closure,"
as reexamined and confirmed under Reexamination Certificate B2
4,021,891, relate to a magnetic closure wherein a solid projection
on a first half of the closure engages a solid projection on a
second half of the closure, which also contains a toroidal magnet.
The Morita '294 and Morita '891 patents essentially describe the
same product. Further, British Patent Specification No. 1,519,246,
published Jul. 26, 1978, also discloses a magnetic closure. None of
these patents for magnetic snap fasteners allow for multiple closed
positions. Therefore, a user cannot make tighter or looser the
article to which the fastener is attached.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a
magnetic snap fastener that has at least two of either or both of
its male and female sections, or its positive and negative
sections, which when put into contact allow the fastener to be
closed at more than one position.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a magnetic
snap fastener that allows an article to which it is attached, to be
fastened more loosely or tightly.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a
magnetic snap fastener which can be easily fabricated for sale at a
commercially reasonable price.
To those ends, the instant invention relates to a fastener having
either a plurality of female magnetic snap sections or a plurality
of male magnetic snap sections so that the male and female sections
of the fastener may be fastened at any one of a number of possible
positions. Alternatively, the fastener has either a plurality of
positive magnetic snap sections or a plurality of negative magnetic
snap sections which may be fastened at any one of a number of
possible positions. These type fasteners are readily
adjustable.
These and other advantages will become apparent from the detailed
description and drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable magnetic snap
fastener in an open position attached to a shoe;
FIG. 1a is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of the
magnetic snap fastener of the invention, having two female sections
and two male sections, in open position;
FIG. 1b is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the
magnetic snap fastener of the invention, having two female sections
and one male section, in open position;
FIG. 1c is a perspective view showing a third embodiment of the
magnetic snap fastener of the invention, having one female section
and two male sections, in open position;
FIG. 1d is a cross-sectional view of one female section and one
male section of the instant invention;
FIGS. 2a and 2b are a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of the magnetic ring of the first embodiment;
FIGS. 3a and 3b are a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of the base washer of the first embodiment;
FIGS. 3c and 3d are a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of the first and second base plates of the first
embodiment;
FIGS. 4a, 4b, and 4c, are side views and a plan view, respectively,
of the legs of the first embodiment;
FIGS. 5a and 5b are a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of the non-magnetic cover of the first
embodiment;
FIGS. 6a and 6b are a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of the tubular stem of the first embodiment;
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of one female section and one male
section of another embodiment of the instant invention;
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of one male section of the
embodiment of FIG. 7 attached to a piece of material;
FIGS. 9a and 9b are a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of the magnetic ring of the embodiment of FIG. 7;
FIGS. 10a and 10b are a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of the base washer of the embodiment of FIG. 7;
FIGS. 10c and 10d are a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of the first and second base plates of the embodiment
of FIG. 7;
FIGS. 11a and 11b are a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of the non-magnetic cover of the embodiment of FIG.
7;
FIGS. 12a and 12b are a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of the tubular stems of the embodiment of FIG. 7;
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of one female section and one
male section of still another embodiment of the instant
invention;
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of one male section of the
embodiment of FIG. 13 attached to a piece of material;
FIGS. 15a and 15b are a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of the magnetic ring of the embodiment of FIG.
13;
FIGS. 16a and 16b are a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of the base washer of the embodiment of FIG. 13;
FIGS. 16c and 16d are a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of the first and second base plates of the embodiment
of FIG. 13;
FIGS. 17a and 17b are a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of the non-magnetic cover of the embodiment of FIG.
13; and
FIGS. 18a and 18b are a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of the tubular stems of the embodiment of FIG.
13.
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of one female section and one
male section of still another embodiment of the instant
invention;
FIGS. 20a and 20b are a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of the magnetic ring of the embodiment of FIG.
19;
FIGS. 21a and 21b are a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of the base washer of the embodiment of FIG. 19;
FIGS. 21c and 21d are a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of the first and second base plates of the embodiment
of FIG. 19;
FIGS. 22a and 22b are a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of the non-magnetic cover of the embodiment of FIG.
19;
FIGS. 23a and 23b are a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of the solid stems of the embodiment of FIG. 19;
FIG. 24a is a perspective view showing yet another embodiment of
the instant invention, having two positive sections and two
negative sections, in open position;
FIG. 24b is a cross-sectional view of one positive section and one
negative section of the embodiment of FIG. 24a;
FIGS. 25a and 25b are a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of the magnetic rings of the embodiment of FIG.
24a;
FIGS. 26a and 26b are a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of the base washers of the embodiment of FIG.
24a;
FIGS. 26c and 26d are a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of the base plates of the embodiment of FIG. 24a;
FIGS. 27a and 27b are a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of the non-magnetic covers of the embodiment of FIG.
24a;
FIGS. 28a and 28b are a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of the tubular stems of the embodiment of FIG.
24a;
FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing an alternative version of the
embodiment of FIG. 24a having supplemental tubular stems between
each of two positive sections and two negative sections.
FIG. 30a is a perspective view showing still another embodiment of
the instant invention, having two female sections and two male
sections with one cover plate encasing all female sections, in an
open position;
FIG. 30b is a perspective view showing an alternative version of
the embodiment of FIG. 30a having multiple female sections and one
male section;
FIG. 30c is a cross-sectional view of one female section and one
male section of the embodiment of FIG. 30a;
FIGS. 31a and 31b are a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of the magnetic ring of the embodiment of FIG.
30a;
FIGS. 32a and 32b are a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of the first and second base plates of the embodiment
of FIG. 30a;
FIGS. 33a, 33b, and 33c are side views and a plan view,
respectively, of the legs of the embodiment of FIG. 30a;
FIGS. 34a and 34b are a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of the non-magnetic cover of the embodiment of FIG.
30a;
FIGS. 35a and 35b are a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of the tubular stems of the first embodiment;
FIG. 36a is a perspective view showing yet another embodiment of
the instant invention, having multiple positive sections encased in
one cover plate and multiple negative sections encased in a second
cover plate, in an open position;
FIG. 36b is a cross-sectional view of one positive section and one
negative section of the embodiment of FIG. 36a;
FIGS. 37a and 37b are a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of the magnetic rings of the embodiment of FIG.
36a;
FIGS. 38a and 38b are a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of the base plates of the embodiment of FIG. 36a;
FIGS. 39a and 39b are a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of the non-magnetic covers of the embodiment of FIG.
36a;
FIGS. 40a and 40b are a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of the tubular stems of the embodiment of FIG.
36a.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIGS. 1 and 1a show one preferred embodiment of the invention in
which a plurality of female sections 3 of an adjustable magnetic
snap fastener 1 are attached to a first base plate 8 to form female
fastener 4, which is attached to a first piece of material 2a, and
a plurality of male sections 5 of an adjustable magnetic snap
fastener 1 are attached to a second base plate 21 to form male
fastener 6, which is attached to a second piece of material 2b. As
shown in FIG. 1b, the invention alternatively may have multiple
female sections 3 and one male section 5. As shown in FIG. 1c, in
another alternative, the invention may comprise one female section
3 and multiple male sections 5. If more than one of each of the
female sections 3 and male sections 5 are used, the distance
between each consecutive pair of female sections 3 preferably is
equal, and the distance between each consecutive pair of male
sections 5 preferably is equal to the distance between each of
consecutive pair of female sections 3.
Referring to FIG. 1d, one female section 3 and one male section 5
of the first preferred embodiment of magnetic snap fastener 1 are
shown separated from one another. Each female section 3 and each
male section 5 is adapted so that any female section 3 and any male
section 5 may mate so as to form a complete fastener.
Each female section 3 includes a base washer 7 with first side 7a,
opposite facing second side 7b and central hole 7c. First base
plate 8 has a first side 8a and a second side 8b, and for each
female section 3 attached to first base plate 8, there is a
corresponding hole 8c through base plate 8 substantially axially
aligned with central hole 7c of that particular female section 3.
Tubular stem 9 is circular in cross-section and in one embodiment
has a central hole 9c. Tubular stem 9 also has a wide diameter
section 9a and a narrow diameter section 9b and is insertable into
the hole 7c in base washer 7 from base washer first side 7a, and
also is insertable into the corresponding hole 8c in first base
plate 8 from base plate first side 8a. The distal end of the narrow
diameter section 9b is rolled over to affix first side 8a of first
base plate 8 adjacent to the second side 7b of base washer 7,
separated only by the width of continuous flange 15d described
below, and attachment legs 11 adjacent to second side 8b of base
plate 8. Desirably, the legs 11 are not rigidly secured so as to
allow them to be rotatable with respect to base washer 7. This
allows coating solutions to reach all surfaces thereby giving
greater corrosion protection.
Magnetic ring 13 is held adjacent to first side 7a of base washer 7
by non-magnetic cover 15, which has a top 15a and a side wall 15b.
Flange 15c helps contain magnetic ring 13 in place within the cover
15 and continuous flange 15d holds the cover in place relative to
base washer 7. Desirably, continuous flange 15d is used to hold the
cover 15 in place, because it is more secure than if discrete
prongs or tabs are used to form a peripheral flange. Non-magnetic
cover 15 may be made of brass to enhance the appearance of the
fastener. Desirably also, flange 15d is continuous about the
periphery of cover 15 so that the cover is not easily removable and
lies flat against the piece of material. Magnetic ring 13 is
toroidal in shape and has a central hole 13a larger than the
outside diameter of the wide diameter section 9a of tubular stem 9.
Since tubular stem 9 and non-magnetic cover 15 have central holes
9c and 15e, respectively, they are substantially axially aligned
with central hole 7c of base washer 7 and corresponding hole 8c of
first base plate 8.
Turning now to male sections 5 of magnetic snap fastener 1, it is
seen that second tubular stem 19 connects second base plate 21 to
attachment legs 23 in a manner similar to that used in connection
with each female section 3. Here again, in this embodiment, second
tubular stem 19 has a central hole 19a that is substantially
axially aligned with a corresponding hole 21a of second base plate
21. The attachment legs 23 desirably are not rigidly secured so
that they are rotatable with respect to second base plate 21.
As is clear from FIGS. 1a through 1d, second tubular stem 19 of one
male section 5 is insertable into hole 15e of non-magnetic cover 15
of one female section 3. Due to the force of the magnetic ring 13,
the male section 5 and female section 3 snap together. Legs 11 and
23 may, of course, be attached to two respective pieces of material
2a and 2b. Thus, the two pieces of material 2a and 2b are attached
when one female section 3 and one male section 5 are snapped
together.
FIGS. 2a and 2b show a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of the magnetic ring 13. FIGS. 3a and 3b show a top
view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the base washer 7.
FIGS. 3c and 3d show a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of both the first and second base plates 8 and 21.
FIGS. 4a, 4b, and 4c show side views and a plan view, respectively,
of both the legs 11 and 23. FIGS. 5a and 5b show a top view and a
side cut-away view, respectively, of the non-magnetic cover 15.
FIGS. 6a and 6b show a top view and side cut-away view,
respectively, of both the tubular stems 9 and 19. It is a
particular feature of this embodiment of the invention that the
legs and tubular stems are identical on both the female and male
sections of the fastener. If the number of female sections is equal
to the number of male sections, both base plates also are
identical. This reduces the number of different parts needed to
make a complete assembly. The axially aligned holes in the
components may serve as a distinguishing feature of products made
in accordance with the invention.
It is important that each of the openings are in axial alignment.
Thus, when a female section 3 and a male section 5 are magnetically
attached to one another, central holes 7c, 9c, 13a, 15e, and 19a of
the female section 3 and the male section 5, as well as
corresponding holes 8c and 21a of base plates 8 and 21, form a
straight path. This path should not be too large in diameter. For
example, the diameter should be about 0.006 to 0.125 inch. However,
the size of the hole is within the level of ordinary skill in the
art.
Another preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a
female fastener and a male fastener that may be attached to pieces
of material using rolled rivets instead of legs. Referring to FIG.
7, one female section 103 and one male section 105 of this
preferred embodiment of magnetic snap fastener 101 are shown
separated from one another. Each female section 103 and each male
section 105 is adapted so that any female section 103 and any male
section 105 may mate to form a complete snap fastener. Magnetic
snap fastener 101 is a rolled rivet type of fastener.
Each female section 103 includes a base washer 107 with first side
107a, opposite facing second side 107b and central hole 107c. A
first base plate 108 has a first side 108a and a second side 108b,
and for each female section 103 attached to first base plate 108,
there is a corresponding hole 108c through base plate 108
substantially axially aligned with central hole 107c of that
particular female section 103. Tubular stem 109 is circular in
cross section and has a wide diameter section 109a, a medium
diameter section 109b, a narrow diameter section 109c, and a
central hole 109d. Tubular stem 109 may be inserted into the
central hole 107c from base washer first side 107a and into the
corresponding hole 108c in first base plate 108 from base plate
first side 108a. The distal end of the narrow diameter section 109c
extends outward from first base plate 108 to engage first
attachment washer 110, as shown more clearly in FIG. 8 and as
discussed below. There are no legs in this embodiment to attach the
sections of the fastener to pieces of material. Rather, the
sections of the fastener are attached by the rolled rivet
connectors.
Magnetic ring 113 is held adjacent to first side 107a of base
washer 107 by non-magnetic cover 115, which has a top 115a and a
side wall 115b. Flange 115c helps contain magnetic ring 113 in
place within the cover 115 and continuous flange 115d holds the
cover in place relative to base washer 107. Magnetic ring 113 is
toroidal in shape and has a central hole 113a larger than the
outside diameter of the wide diameter section 109a of tubular stem
109. In this embodiment, tubular stem 109 and non-magnetic cover
115 have central holes 109d and 115e, respectively, which are
substantially axially aligned with hole 107c of base washer 107 and
corresponding hole 108c of first base plate 108.
Turning now to male sections 105 of magnetic snap fastener 101 it
is seen that second tubular stem 119, including wide section 119a,
medium section 119b, and narrow section 119c, is insertable through
a corresponding hole 121a of second base plate 121 in a manner
similar to that used in connection with each female section 103.
Here again, in this embodiment, second tubular stem 119 has a
central hole 119d that is substantially axially aligned with
corresponding hole 121a of second base plate 121. Moreover, as
described in connection with female sections 103, the distal end of
narrow diameter section 119c extends outward from second base plate
121 to engage second attachment washer 123, as shown more clearly
in FIG. 8 and as discussed below.
FIG. 8 shows one male section 105 attached to a piece of material
125 held between second base plate 121 and second attachment washer
123. As seen in FIG. 8, tubular stem 119 has section 119e rolled
over to hold attachment washer 123 in place. Each female section
103 is attached to a piece of material in a similar manner. Thus,
the mating of one female section 103 and one male section 105
results in attachment of the two pieces of material.
FIGS. 9a and 9b show a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of the magnetic ring 113. FIGS. 10a and 10b show a
top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the base washer
107. FIGS. 10c and 10d show a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of both the first and second base plates 108 and 121.
FIGS. 11a and 11b show a top view and side cut-away view,
respectively, of the non-magnetic cover 115. FIGS. 12a and 12b show
a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of both the
tubular stems 109 and 119. Once again, several of these components
are identical on the male and female sides so as to provide for
easy assembly and to reduce the cost of the finished product.
Still another preferred embodiment of the present invention
comprises female sections and male sections that may be attached to
pieces of material using Kwik-rivet connectors. Referring to FIG.
13, one female section 203 and one male section 205 of this
preferred embodiment of magnetic snap fastener 201 are shown
separated from one another. Each female section 203 and each male
section 205 is designed so that any female section 203 and any male
section 205 may unite to form a magnetic snap fastener of the
Kwik-rivet style.
Each female section 201 includes a base washer 207 with first side
207a, oppositely facing second side 207b, and central hole 207c.
First base plate 208 has a first side 208a and a second side 208b,
and for each female section 203 attached to first base plate 208,
there is a corresponding hole 208c through base plate 208
substantially axially aligned with central hole 207c of that
particular female section 203. Tubular stem 209, which is circular
in cross-section and which has a wide diameter section 209a, a
medium diameter section 209b, and a narrow diameter section 209c,
is insertable into the central hole 207c from base washer first
side 207a and into the corresponding hole 208c in first base plate
208 from base plate first side 208a. The distal end of the narrow
diameter section 209c extends outward from first base plate 208 to
engage first rivet cap 210, as shown more clearly in FIG. 14 and as
discussed below. There are no legs in this embodiment to attach the
sections of the fastener to the pieces of material. Rather, the
sections of the fastener are attached by the Kwik-rivet connectors.
The rivet cap 210 may have a decorative surface or embossing.
Magnetic ring 213 is held adjacent to first side 207a of first base
washer 207 by non-magnetic cover 215, which has a top 215a and a
side wall 215b. Flange 215c helps contain magnetic ring 213 in
place within the cover 215 and continuous flange 215d holds the
cover in place relative to base washer 207. Magnetic ring 213 is
toroidal in shape and has a central hole 213a larger than the
outside diameter of the wide diameter section 209a of tubular stem
209. In this embodiment, tubular stem 209 and non-magnetic cover
215 have central holes 209d and 215e, respectively, which are
substantially axially aligned with hole 207c of base washer 207 and
corresponding hole 208c of first base plate 208.
Turning now to male sections 205 of magnetic snap fastener 201, it
is seen that second tubular stem 219, including wide section 219a,
medium section 219b, and narrow section 219c, is insertable through
a corresponding hole 221a of second base plate 221 in a manner
similar to that used in connection with each female section 203.
Here again, in this embodiment, second tubular stem 219 has a
central hole 219d that is substantially axially aligned with
central hole 221a of second base plate 221. Moreover, as described
in connection with female sections 203, the distal end of narrow
diameter section 219c extends outward from second base plate 221 to
engage second rivet cap 223, as shown more clearly in FIG. 14 and
as discussed below.
FIG. 14 shows one male section 205 attached to a piece of material
225 held between second base plate 221 and second rivet cap 223. As
seen in FIGS. 13 and 14, tubular stem 219 has a collapsible bump
that is deformed by attachment of the second rivet cap 223 to cause
the distal end of the tubular stem 219 to lock to the inside to the
inside of the second rivet cap 223 to hold material 225. Each
female section 203 is attached to a piece of material in a similar
manner.
FIGS. 15a and 15b show a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of the magnetic ring 213. FIGS. 16a and 16b show a
top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the base washer
207. FIGS. 16c and 16d show a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of both the first and second base plates 208 and 221.
FIGS. 17a and 17b show a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of the non-magnetic cover 215. FIGS. 18a and 18b show
a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of both the
tubular stems 209 and 219. Several of these components are
identical on the male and female sides for the reasons previously
discussed.
In still another preferred embodiment of the present invention,
each male section and each female section comprises solid stems
instead of tubular stems. Although not shown, the stems may also be
partially hollow. Referring to FIG. 19, one female section 303 and
one male section 305 of this preferred embodiment of magnetic snap
fastener 301 are shown separated from one another. Each female
section 303 and each male section 305 is adapted so that any female
section 303 and any male section 305 may mate to form a complete
snap fastener.
Each female section 303 includes a base washer 307 with first side
307a, opposite facing second side 307b and central hole 307c. A
first base plate 308 has a first side 308a and a second side 308b,
and for each female section 303 attached to first base plate 308,
there is a corresponding hole 308c through base plate 308
substantially axially aligned with central hole 307c of that
particular female section 303. Solid stem 309 is circular in cross
section and has a wide diameter section 309a and a narrow diameter
section 309b. Solid stem 309 may be inserted into the central hole
307c from base washer first side 307a and into the corresponding
hole 308c in first base plate 308 from base plate first side 308a.
The distal end of the narrow diameter section 309b is flattened to
widen the portion of narrow diameter section 309b that protrudes
from second side 308b of first base washer 308 and thereby affix
first side 308a of first base plate 308 adjacent to the second side
307b of base washer 307, separated only by the width of continuous
flange 315d described below, and attachment legs 311 adjacent to
second side 308b of base plate 308. Desirably, the legs 311 are not
rigidly secured with respect to base washer 307.
Magnetic ring 313 is held adjacent to first side 307a of base
washer 307 by non-magnetic cover 315, which has a top 315a and a
side wall 315b. Flange 315c helps contain magnetic ring 313 in
place within the cover 315 and continuous flange 315d holds the
cover in place relative to base washer 307. Magnetic ring 313 is
toroidal in shape and has a central hole 313a larger than the
outside diameter of the wide diameter section 309a of solid stem
309. Solid stem 309 is substantially axially aligned with central
hole 315e of non-magnetic cover 315, hole 307c of base washer 307
and corresponding hole 308c of first base plate 308.
Turning now to male sections 305 of magnetic snap fastener 301, it
is seen that second solid stem 319, including wide section 319a and
narrow section 319b, connects second base plate 321 to attachment
legs 323 in a manner similar to that used in connection with each
female section 303. Here again, second solid stem 319 is
substantially axially aligned with corresponding hole 321a of
second base plate 321. The attachment legs 323 desirably are not
rigidly secured.
FIGS. 20a and 20b show a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of the magnetic ring 313. FIGS. 21a and 21b show a
top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the base washer
307. FIGS. 21c and 21d show a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of both the first and second base plates 308 and 321.
FIGS. 22a and 22b show a top view and side cut-away view,
respectively, of the non-magnetic cover 315. FIGS. 23a and 23b show
a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of both the
solid stems 309 and 319. Once again, several of these components
are identical on the male and female sides so as to provide for
easy assembly and to reduce the cost of the finished product. This
embodiment of the invention alternatively may comprise either type
of attachment means employed in connection with the embodiments
described above, e.g., rolled rivets or Kwik-rivet connectors,
instead of legs, to attach the fastener to pieces of material.
Yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises
a positive fastener and a negative fastener, each of which
comprises one or more magnetic sections. FIG. 24a is a perspective
drawing of one positive fastener 404 comprising multiple positive
magnetic sections 403, and one negative fastener 406 comprising
multiple negative magnetic sections 405. Alternatively, the
invention comprises multiple positive magnetic sections and one
negative magnetic section, or multiple negative magnetic sections
and one positive magnetic section. If more than one of each of the
positive magnetic sections 403 and negative magnetic sections 405
are used, the distance between each consecutive pair of positive
sections 403 preferably is equal, and the distance between each
consecutive pair of negative sections 405 preferably is equal to
the distance between each of consecutive pair of positive sections
403.
FIG. 24b shows one positive magnetic section 403 and one negative
magnetic section 405 of this preferred embodiment of magnetic snap
fastener 401. Each positive section 403 is attracted to each
negative section 405.
Each positive section 403 includes a first base washer 407 with
first side 407a, opposite facing second side 407b and central hole
407c. First base plate 408 has a first side 408a and a second side
408b, and for each positive section 403 attached to first base
plate 408, there is a corresponding hole 408c through base plate
408 substantially axially aligned with central hole 407c of that
particular positive section 403. First tubular stem 409 is circular
in cross-section and has a central hole 409c. Tubular stem 409 may
be solid, hollow or partially hollow. Tubular stem 409 also has a
wide diameter section 409a and a narrow diameter section 409b and
is insertable into the hole 407c in first base washer 407 from base
washer first side 407a, and also is insertable into the
corresponding hole 408c in first base plate 408 from base plate
first side 408a. The distal end of the narrow diameter section 409b
is rolled over to affix first side 408a of first base plate 408
adjacent to the second side 407b of first base washer 407,
separated only by the width of continuous flange 415d described
below, and attachment legs 411 adjacent to second side 408b of
first base plate 408. Desirably, the legs 411 are not rigidly
secured.
First magnetic ring 413 is toroidal in shape and has a central hole
413a larger than the outside diameter of the wide diameter section
409a of first tubular stem 409. First magnetic ring 413 has
positively poled side 413b and negatively poled side 413c.
Negatively poled side 413c of magnetic ring 413 is held adjacent to
first side 407a of first base washer 407 by first non-magnetic
cover 415, which has a top 415a and a side wall 415b. Flange 415c
helps contain first magnetic ring 413 in place within the cover 415
and continuous flange 415d holds the cover in place relative to
first base washer 407. Since first tubular stem 409 and first
non-magnetic cover 415 have central holes 409c and 415e,
respectively, they are substantially axially aligned with central
hole 407c of first base washer 407 and corresponding hole 408c of
first base plate 408.
Each negative section 405 includes a second base washer 417 with
first side 417a, opposite facing second side 417b and central hole
417c. Second base plate 418 has a first side 418a and a second side
418b, and for each negative section 405 attached to second base
plate 418, there is a corresponding hole 418c through base plate
418 substantially axially aligned with central hole 417c of that
particular negative section 405. Second tubular stem 419 is
circular in cross-section and has a central hole 419c. Of course,
tubular stem 419 may be solid, hollow or partially hollow. Tubular
stem 419 also has a wide diameter section 419a and a narrow
diameter section 419b and is insertable into the hole 417c in
second base washer 417 from base washer first side 417a, and also
is insertable into the corresponding hole 418c in second base plate
418 from base plate first side 418a. The distal end of the narrow
diameter section 419b is rolled over to affix first side 418a of
second base plate 418 adjacent to the second side 417b of second
base washer 417, separated only by the width of continuous flange
425d described below, and attachment legs 421 adjacent to second
side 418b of second base plate 418. The legs 421 desirably are not
rigidly secured to second base washer 417.
Second magnetic ring 423 is toroidal in shape and has a central
hole 413a larger than the outside diameter of the wide diameter
section 419a of second tubular stem 419. Second magnetic ring 423
has positively poled side 423b and negatively poled side 423c.
Positively poled side 423b of magnetic ring 423 is held adjacent to
first side 417a of second base washer 417 by second non-magnetic
cover 425, which has a top 425a and a side wall 425b. Flange 425c
helps contain second magnetic ring 423 in place within the cover
425 and continuous flange 425d holds the cover in place relative to
second base washer 417. Since second tubular stem 419 and second
non-magnetic cover 425 have central holes 419c and 425e,
respectively, they are substantially axially aligned with central
hole 417c of second base washer 417 and corresponding hole 418c of
second base plate 418.
The only difference between each positive magnetic section 403 and
each negative magnetic section 405 is the orientation of the
magnetic rings 413 and 423. Therefore, when positive fastener 404
is brought into close proximity with negative fastener 406, the
positively poled side 413b of one or more magnetic sections 403 is
magnetically attracted to the negatively poled side 423c of one or
more magnetic sections 405, and positive fastener 404 and negative
fastener 406 thus are joined. The fasteners may be joined at any
position at which the top 415a of at least one first non-magnetic
cover 415 is in full contact with the top 425a of at least one
second non-magnetic cover 425. Of course, the terms positive and
negative are relative, as the faces of the magnets have opposite
polarity.
Legs 411 and 421 may, of course, be attached to two respective
pieces of material 402a and 402b. Thus, the two pieces of material
402a and 402b are attached when one positive section 403 and one
negative section 405 are joined.
FIGS. 25a and 25b show a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of magnetic rings 413 and 423. FIGS. 26a and 26b show
a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of base washers
407 and 417. FIGS. 26c and 26d show a top view and a side cut-away
view, respectively, of base plates 408 and 418. FIGS. 27a and 27b
show a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of
non-magnetic covers 415 and 425. FIGS. 28a and 28b show a top view
and side cut-away view, respectively, of tubular stems 409 and
419.
It is a particular feature of this embodiment of the invention that
all parts, except in some instances the base plates 408 and 418,
are identical on both the positive and negative magnetic sections
of the fastener. If the number of female sections is equal to the
number of male sections, both base plates also are identical. This
reduces the number of different parts needed to make a complete
assembly.
FIG. 29 shows an alternative version of this embodiment of the
invention. Supplemental tubular stems may be added between one or
more adjacent pairs of positive magnetic sections or negative
magnetic sections. In FIG. 29, positive fastener 454 contains one
supplemental tubular stem 459 between adjacent positive magnetic
sections 453, and negative fastener 456 contains one supplemental
tubular stem 460 between adjacent magnetic sections 455.
Other than the addition of the supplemental tubular stems 459 and
460, positive fastener 454 is identical to positive fastener 404,
and negative fastener 456 is identical to negative fastener 406.
Supplemental tubular stems 459 and 460 are identical to tubular
stems 409 and 419 and are attached to base plates 458 and 468 in
the same manner that tubular stems 409 and 419 are attached to base
plates 408 and 418, respectively. Supplemental tubular stems 459
and 460 may be solid, hollow or partially hollow. The attractive
magnetic force between any positive magnetic section 453 and any
supplemental tubular stem 460 of negative fastener 456, as well as
the attractive magnetic force between any negative magnetic section
455 and any supplemental tubular stem 459 of positive fastener 454,
allows positive fastener 454 and negative fastener 456 to be joined
at intermediary positions, i.e., halfway between the centers of
magnetic rings.
These embodiments of the invention, with or without the
supplemental tubular stems, alternatively may comprise any of the
attachment means described above, e.g., rolled rivets or Kwik-rivet
connectors, instead of legs to attach the fastener to pieces of
material.
In still another preferred embodiment of the present invention,
again comprising female and male fasteners, instead of each female
magnetic snap section having its own non-magnetic cover, one
non-magnetic cover encases the entire female fastener.
FIG. 30a shows one version of this embodiment of the invention, in
which a plurality of female sections 503 of an adjustable magnetic
snap fastener 501 are attached to a first base plate 507 and
covered by a non-magnetic cover 515 to form female fastener 504,
which is attached to a first piece of material 502a, and a
plurality of male sections 505 of an adjustable magnetic snap
fastener 501 are attached to a second base plate 521 to form male
fastener 506, which is attached to a second piece of material 502b.
As shown in FIG. 30b, the invention alternatively may have multiple
female sections 503 and one male section 505. The distance between
each consecutive pair of female sections 503 preferably is equal,
and the distance between each consecutive pair of male sections 505
preferably is equal to the distance between each pair of female
sections 503.
Referring to FIG. 30c, one female section 503 and one male section
505 of this preferred embodiment of magnetic snap fastener 501 are
shown separated from one another. Each female section 503 and each
male section 505 is adapted so that any female section 503 and any
male section 505 may mate so as to form a complete fastener.
Each magnetic ring 513 of female fastener 504 is held adjacent to
first side 507a of base plate 507 by non-magnetic cover 515, which
has a top 515a and a side wall 515b. A plurality of flanges 515c,
equal to the number of female sections 503, help contain magnetic
rings 513 in place within the cover 515. Each flange 515c defines a
central hole 515e. Continuous flange 515d holds the cover in place
relative to base plate 507. desirably, continuous flange 515d is
used to hold the cover 515 in place, because it is more secure than
if discrete prongs or tabs are used to form a peripheral flange.
Desirably also, flange 515d is continuous about the periphery of
cover 515 so that the cover is not easily removable and lies flat
against the piece of material. Magnetic ring 513 is toroidal in
shape and has a central hole 513a larger than the outside diameter
of the wide diameter section 509a of tubular stem 509. Central
holes 509c and 515e of each tubular stem 509 and of non-magnetic
cover 515, respectively, are substantially axially aligned with a
corresponding hole 507c of first base plate 507.
Each magnetic ring 513 of female fastener 504 is held adjacent to
first side 507a of base plate 507 by non-magnetic cover 515, which
has a top 515a and a side wall 515b. A plurality of flanges 515c,
equal to the number of female sections 503, help contain magnetic
rings 513 in place within the cover 515. Each flange 515c defines a
central hole 515e. Continuous flange 15d holds the cover in place
relative to base plate 507. Desirably, continuous flange 515d is
used to hold the cover 515 in place, because it is more secure than
if discrete prongs or tabs are used to form a peripheral flange.
Desirably also, flange 515d is continuous about the periphery of
cover 515 so that the cover is not easily removable and lies flat
against the piece of material. Magnetic ring 513 is toroidal in
shape and has a central hole 513a larger than the outside diameter
of the wide diameter section 509a of tubular stem 509. Central
holes 509c and 515e of each tubular stem 509 and of non-magnetic
cover 515, respectively, are substantially axially aligned with a
corresponding hole 507c of first base plate 507.
Turning now to male sections 505 of magnetic snap fastener 501, it
is seen that second tubular stem 519 connects second base plate 521
to attachment legs 523 in a manner similar to that used in
connection with each female section 503. Here again, in this
embodiment, second tubular stem 519 has a central hole 519a that is
substantially axially aligned with a corresponding hole 521a of
second base plate 521. The attachment legs 523 desirably are not
rigidly secured so that they are rotatable with respect to second
base plate 521.
As is clear from FIGS. 30a through 30c, second tubular stem 519 of
one male section 505 is insertable into one hole 515e of
non-magnetic cover 515 corresponding to one female section 503. Due
to the force of the magnetic ring 513, the male section 505 and
female section 503 snap together. Legs 511 and 523 may, of course,
be attached to two respective pieces of material 502a and 502b.
Thus, the two pieces of material 502a and 502b are attached when
one female section 503 and one male section 505 are snapped
together.
FIGS. 31a and 31b show a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of the magnetic ring 13. FIGS. 32a and 32b show a top
view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of both the first and
second base plates 507 and 521. FIGS. 33a, 33b, and 33c show side
views and a plan view, respectively, of both the legs 511 and 523.
FIGS. 34a and 34b show a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of the non-magnetic cover 515. FIGS. 35a and 35b show
a top view and side cut-away view, respectively, of both the
tubular stems 509 and 519. Again, the legs and tubular stems are
identical on both the female and male sections of the fastener. If
the number of female sections is equal to the number of male
sections, both base plates also are identical. This reduces the
number of different parts needed to make a complete assembly. The
axially aligned holes in the components may serve as a
distinguishing feature of products made in accordance with the
invention.
Also as with other embodiments of the invention, each of the
openings are in axial alignment. Thus, when a female section 503
and a male section 505 are magnetically attached to one another,
central holes 509c, 513a, 515e, and 519a of the female section 503
and the male section 505, as well as corresponding holes 507c and
521a of base plates 507 and 521, form a straight path.
This embodiment of the invention alternatively may comprise any of
the attachment means described above, e.g., rolled rivets or
Kwik-rivet connectors, instead of legs to attach the fastener to
pieces of material. Furthermore, the tubular stems may be replaced
by solid stems.
Yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises
a positive fastener and a negative fastener, each of which
comprises one or more magnetic sections; all of the positive
magnetic sections are encased in one non-magnetic cover and all of
the negative magnetic sections are encased in a second non-magnetic
cover. FIG. 36a is a perspective drawing of one positive fastener
604 comprising multiple positive magnetic sections 603, and one
negative fastener 606 comprising multiple negative magnetic
sections 605. Alternatively, the invention comprises multiple
positive magnetic sections and one negative magnetic section, or
multiple negative magnetic sections and one positive magnetic
section. If more than one of each of the positive magnetic sections
603 and negative magnetic sections 605 are used, the distance
between each consecutive pair of positive sections 603 preferably
is equal, and the distance between each consecutive pair of
negative sections 605 preferably is equal to the distance between
each of consecutive pair of positive sections 603.
FIG. 36b shows one positive magnetic section 603 and one negative
magnetic section 605 of this preferred embodiment of magnetic snap
fastener 601. Each positive section 603 is attracted to each
negative section 605.
Each positive section 603 is attached to a first base plate 607
having first side 607a, opposite facing second side 607b and a
plurality of central holes 607c, the number of which is equal to
the number of positive sections 603. Each positive section 603 has
a first tubular stem 609, which is circular in cross-section and
has a central hole 609c. Tubular stems 609 may be solid, hollow or
partially hollow. Each tubular stem 609 also has a wide diameter
section 609a and a narrow diameter section 609b and is insertable
into corresponding hole 607c in first base plate 607 from base
plate first side 607a. The distal end of the narrow diameter
section 609b is rolled over to affix attachment legs 611 adjacent
to second side 607b of first base plate 607. Desirably, the legs
611 are not rigidly secured.
Each positive section 603 also has a first magnetic ring 613, which
is toroidal in shape and has a central hole 613a larger than the
outside diameter of the wide diameter section 609a of corresponding
first tubular stem 609. Each first magnetic ring 613 has positively
poled side 613b and negatively poled side 613c. Negatively poled
side 613c of magnetic ring 613 is held adjacent to first side 607a
of first base plate 607 by first non-magnetic cover 615, which has
a top 615a and a side wall 615b. A plurality of flanges 615c, equal
to the number of positive sections 603, help contain first magnetic
rings 613 in place within the cover 615. Each flange 615c defines a
central hole 615e. Continuous flange 615d holds the cover in place
relative to first base plate 607. Central holes 609c and 615e of
each tubular stem 609 and of non-magnetic cover 615, respectively,
are substantially axially aligned with a corresponding hole 607c of
first base plate 607.
Each negative section 605 also has a second magnetic ring 623,
which is toroidal in shape and has a central hole 623a larger than
the outside diameter of the wide diameter section 619a of
corresponding second tubular stem 619. Each second magnetic ring
623 has positively poled side 623b and negatively poled side 623c.
Positively poled side 623b of magnetic ring 623 is held adjacent to
first side 617a of second base plate 617 by second non-magnetic
cover 625, which has a top 625a and a side wall 625b. A plurality
of flanges 625c, equal to the number of negative sections 605, help
contain second magnetic rings 623 in place within the cover 625.
Each flange 625c defines a central hole 625e. Continuous flange
625d holds the cover in place relative to second base plate 617.
Central holes 619c and 625e of each second tubular stem 619 and of
second non-magnetic cover 625, respectively, are substantially
axially aligned with a corresponding hole 617c of second base plate
617.
Each negative section 605 also has a second magnetic ring 623,
which is toroidal in shape and has a central hole 623a larger than
the outside diameter of the wide diameter section 619a of
corresponding second tubular stem 619. Each second magnetic ring
623 has positively charged side 623b and negatively charged side
623c. Positively charged side 623b of magnetic ring 623 is held
adjacent to first side 617a of second base plate 617 by second
non-magnetic cover 625, which has a top 625a and a side wall 625b.
A plurality of flanges 625c, equal to the number of negative
sections 605, help contain second magnetic rings 623 in place
within the cover 625. Each flange 625c defines a central hole 625e.
Continuous flange 625d holds the cover in place relative to second
base plate 617. Central holes 619c and 625e of each second tubular
stem 619 and of second non-magnetic cover 625, respectively, are
substantially axially aligned with a corresponding hole 617c of
second base plate 617.
The only difference between each positive magnetic section 603 and
each negative magnetic section 605 is the orientation of the
magnetic rings 613 and 623. Therefore, when positive fastener 604
is brought into close proximity with negative fastener 606, the
positively poled side 613b of one or more magnetic sections 603 is
magnetically attracted to the negatively poled side 623c of one or
more magnetic sections 605, and positive fastener 604 and negative
fastener 606 thus are joined. Of course, the terms positive and
negative are relative, as the faces of the magnets have opposite
polarity.
Legs 611 and 621 may, of course, be attached to two respective
pieces of material 602a and 602b. Thus, the two pieces of material
602a and 602b are attached when one positive section 603 and one
negative section 605 are joined.
FIGS. 37a and 37b show a top view and a side cut-away view,
respectively, of magnetic rings 613 and 623. FIGS. 38a and 38b show
a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of base plates
607 and 617. FIGS. 39a and 39b show a top view and a side cut-away
view, respectively, of non-magnetic covers 615 and 625. FIGS. 40a
and 40b show a top view and side cut-away view, respectively, of
tubular stems 609 and 619.
It is a particular feature of this embodiment of the invention that
all parts, except in some instances the base plates 607 and 617 and
non-magnetic covers 615 and 625, are identical on both the positive
and negative magnetic sections of the fastener. If the number of
female sections is equal to the number of male sections, both base
plates and both non-magnetic covers also are identical. This
reduces the number of different parts needed to make a complete
assembly.
This embodiment of the invention also may comprise supplemental
tubular stems between one or more adjacent pairs of positive
magnetic sections or negative magnetic sections, as described
above. Furthermore, this embodiment alternatively may comprise any
of the attachment means described above, e.g., rolled rivets or
Kwik-rivet connectors, instead of legs to attach the fastener to
pieces of material.
The invention has practical utility in adjustably fastening pieces
of material such as straps for golf shoes, children's shoes, shoes
for the elderly, bags, and the like.
The fasteners of the invention are easily finished such as by
coating processes. In the embodiments having a hole through the
rivet or stem of each male and female section, the closures may be
threaded on a wire and rapidly processed. Additionally, when
tubular stems are used, the fasteners may be easily assembled using
automatic positioning devices because each part has a hole
therethrough. For example, an infrared light source such as a laser
alignment beam may be used to direct light through the holes to
align the closures when they are being assembled in the
manufacturing process, improving the quality of the parts, speeding
assembly, and reducing cost. The axially aligned central holes do
not substantially detract from the magnetic attractive force
provided by the magnetic ring. However, to the extent the magnetic
attractive force is reduced by the holes in the rivets or stems, a
magnet of greater strength, such as a Neodymium-Iron-Boron magnet,
may be used.
Although the present invention is described by reference to
particular embodiments thereof, many changes and modifications of
the invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which
is only limited by the appended claims. For example, instead of
being attached to a base plate, each female section may be
separately attached to the piece of material to be fastened, in
which case the base plate simply is removed from the female
fastener, and if legs are used to attach the female apparatus to
the material, each pair of legs is attached directly to the base
washer of one female section. Likewise, each male section may be
separately attached to a piece of material, in which case the base
plate is replaced by individual base washers in each male section,
which may be identical to those used in each female section. Also,
instead of the base plates being visible when the female fastener
and/or male fastener are attached to the material, they may be
embedded between two layers of the material so that only the
non-magnetic covers of the female sections and the tubular stems of
the male sections are visible. Furthermore, the tubular or solid
stems may be replaced by hollow stems that are open at one end,
that is, they are partially hollow but not solid. Also, the
non-magnetic covers may be held in place relative to the base
washers or base plates by discrete prongs or tabs instead of
continuous flanges. Moreover, not every male and female or positive
and negative section must have attachment means such as legs or
rivets to attach the fasteners to pieces of material; instead, as
few as one attachment means is required on each fastener portion.
In addition, the male and female portions may be square or another
shape and need not be circular as shown. Therefore, the embodiments
shown and described are only illustrative, not restrictive.
* * * * *